Tensions rose sharply in West Karbi Anglong district on December 22 after a group of indigenous protesters were removed from their hunger strike site in the early hours of the morning. The incident led to a major road blockade at the Kheroni Bridge, which is also known locally as Thong Nokbe Bridge.
According to local sources, the hunger strikers had been camping at Phelangpi, also spelled Felangpi, for about fifteen days. The protesters say they were peacefully demonstrating against alleged illegal settlements that they believe have appeared on protected land. At around 3 am, authorities reportedly removed the strikers from the location, which triggered a strong reaction from residents of surrounding villages.
By dawn, thousands of people had gathered on the bridge. Many sat across the road and blocked traffic, while chanting slogans demanding immediate action to stop what they described as encroachment on reserved grazing areas. Witnesses said that women, elderly villagers, students, youth groups, and community leaders were present in large numbers. Their presence brought one of the main routes in the district to a halt, affecting movement of vehicles for hours. 
The demonstration continued to grow as the morning progressed. Residents from more distant villages also arrived after hearing of the early morning removal. Protesters said they were angered that their hunger strike had been dispersed without dialogue or assurances from the authorities.
Security personnel were deployed in large numbers to control the situation and prevent any escalation. Around 1,000 police officials were stationed in and around the blockade site. The heavy presence created a tense environment, yet the protest remained largely peaceful. No major incidents of violence were reported throughout the day, even as the crowd continued to swell.
An Executive Magistrate from the district administration visited the site in an attempt to open talks. However, protesters rejected the proposal, saying that discussions must take place directly with senior representatives of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Many of the demonstrators specifically demanded the presence of Council Chief Tuliram Ronghang, stating that only top-level assurances would satisfy the community.
Protesters claimed that the issue was not new and that grievances had been voiced repeatedly in the past. They said that illegal settlements on grazing lands had continued unchecked despite earlier protests and communications to authorities. The demonstrators expressed concern that indigenous customary rights and community livelihoods were at risk if protection of reserved areas was not enforced.
